The Saints face off against the Oakland Raiders today in Oakland at 3pm Central, 4pm Eastern for the third preseason game of the season. This game will be aired live nationally on NFL Network. The Raiders are 1-1 in preseason after blasting the Cowboys at home and narrowly losing to the 49ers on the road. The starters for both teams are expected to play into the 3rd quarter.
Out for the Saints: Pierre Thomas (knee), Jammal Brown (hernia), Charles Grant (hamstring), Anthony Davis (elbow), Darnell Dinkins (ankle), D’Juan Woods (neck), Chip Vaughn (knee).
About the Raiders: The Raiders are coming off a dismal 5-11 season that included a lot of inner office turmoil. This season has started off no different as a report emerged of head coach Tom Cable haven’t a physical confrontation with another coach. The Raiders had a head scratching draft choice in Darrius Heyward-Bay, and feature JaMarcus Russell (of LSU) and Darren McFadden (of Arkansas) on offense. On defense they arguably have the best cornerback in the NFL in Nnamdi Asomugha. The Raiders were ranked 29th on offense a year ago and 27th on defense.
other notes:
— Reggie Bush (calf) and Darren Sharper (Achilles) are both questionable and game time decisions.
— JaMarcus Russell was the former 1st overall pick and prepped at LSU.
— Jeff Garcia was signed in the offseason to back up Russell, but don’t be surprised to see him compete for the starting spot at QB.
— Longtime Cowboy Greg Ellis, a recent roster casualty, now plays for the Raiders.
— Saints Defensive Tackle Rod Coleman was originally drafted by the Raiders in 1999.
Enjoy the game and Geaux Saints!
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